This would be no time for the Isles to squander the NHL’s longest current home unbeaten streak. Fail tonight and they’ll have a real playoff race on their hands.

When the surging Sabres charge into Nassau Coliseum tonight, the Islanders can do themselves and the Canadiens a favor.

Lindy Ruff’s surging Buffaloians have shot into contention for an Eastern Conference playoff berth, and Montreal and the Islanders are tied for the last two spots in April’s tournament.

The Sabres brought a five-game overall unbeaten streak, longest current in the league, into last night’s clash with the Lightning in Buffalo. Lindy Ruff’s surprises stood 8-1-1 in their last 10 games as they had climbed five points behind the Isles and Habs.

The Isles, 2-0 against Buffalo this season, are coming off Thursday’s 6-2 loss to the Rangers and stand 4-2-3-1 in their last 10.

At home, however, the Isles are unbeaten (5-0-2) in seven, and their 20-8-2 home record stood fourth in the league at 42 points, with their 20 home victories second-most in the league.